Mallaig MHA Hosts Skill Development Sessions through Every Kid Every Community

Nine post-secondary students from across Alberta have been recognized as the 2025 Future Leaders—an annual initiative that supports the next generation of hockey mentors and coaches.

The Future Leader Scholarship, made possible by the Hockey Alberta Foundation, celebrates individuals who are not only passionate about the sport but are actively committed to giving back to the game through leadership, coaching, and skill development.

These students are involved in various post-secondary institutions and have demonstrated a clear commitment to fostering the next wave of hockey talent in their communities:

• Avery Kendall (Olds College) – Team Alex

• Julie Wagner (Red Deer Polytechnic)

• Kyla Hansel (Red Deer Polytechnic)

• Owen Stevenson (University of Calgary)

• Kai Melnyk (NAIT) – Distinguished Future Leader – Mike Klass

• Matthew Kachmar (University of Alberta)

• Cassidy Rhodes (University of British Columbia) – Distinguished Future Leader – Larry Reid

• Tara Sanregret (Mount Royal University)

• Abby Robar (NAIT)

These recipients exemplify the qualities of leadership, community involvement, and a passion for developing future players through teaching, mentorship, and coaching. Whether through organizing minor hockey programs, working behind the bench, or creating inclusive opportunities for others to enjoy the game, these students are helping ensure that hockey continues to thrive for generations to come.

Today, we’re profiling the 2025 Mike Klass Distinguished Leader - Kai Melnyk.

The Mike Klass Distinguished Future Leader Scholarship honours the memory of a man who left a lasting legacy within Hockey Alberta and the broader hockey community. Known for his unwavering commitment and passion for sport, Mike Klass was a driving force behind many important initiatives, including the relocation of the Hockey Alberta office to its current home.

Beyond his accomplishments, Klass is remembered for his generosity, warmth, and the pride he carried for the game. He gave his time, energy, and heart to every aspect of hockey—whether it was behind the scenes, on the bench, or supporting others in their journey.

In 2025, Kai Melnyk, a student at NAIT, has been named the recipient of this distinguished scholarship. Melnyk was selected for his dedication to leadership and his goal of helping shape the future of hockey in an inclusive and empowering way.

“This recognition reinforces my passion for developing others and growing the game in a positive, inclusive, and empowering direction. The scholarship allows me to continue my education and development, equipping me with the tools and knowledge to make a lasting impact in hockey, both on and off the ice,” said Melnyk.

As part of the Future Leaders Development Program, Melnyk has taken steps to expand both his practical coaching experience and leadership abilities. The program has also helped him grow his confidence in navigating the demands and responsibilities of being a positive influence in sport.

“It’s been inspiring to see the ripple effect that strong leadership can have on young athletes and the broader hockey community,” he added.

Kai Melnyk carries forward the spirit of Mike Klass through his leadership, mentorship, and commitment to growing the game with integrity and care. His future in hockey is one that will continue to impact those around him, just as Klass did during his life.

The Hockey Alberta Foundation is proud to support these young leaders as they pursue their goals and continue to grow the game across Alberta and beyond.

Read more about the Hockey Alberta Foundation here.

We are now accepting applications for the 2025 Future Leaders Program. Please access the application form below.

The 2025 Future Leaders Program will take place in Red Deer on Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7. Upon selection, successful applicants will receive the full schedule. The program will begin at 5:00 PM on June 6 in the Hockey Alberta Boardroom.

FUTURE LEADERS >

Celebrating the Future of Hockey: 2025 Future Leader Scholarship Recipients Announced

Nine post-secondary students from across Alberta have been recognized as the 2025 Future Leaders—an annual initiative that supports the next generation of hockey mentors and coaches.

The Future Leader Scholarship, made possible by the Hockey Alberta Foundation, celebrates individuals who are not only passionate about the sport but are actively committed to giving back to the game through leadership, coaching, and skill development.

These students are involved in various post-secondary institutions and have demonstrated a clear commitment to fostering the next wave of hockey talent in their communities:

• Avery Kendall (Olds College) – Team Alex

• Julie Wagner (Red Deer Polytechnic)

• Kyla Hansel (Red Deer Polytechnic)

• Owen Stevenson (University of Calgary)

• Kai Melnyk (NAIT) – Distinguished Future Leader – Mike Klass

• Matthew Kachmar (University of Alberta)

• Cassidy Rhodes (University of British Columbia) – Distinguished Future Leader – Larry Reid

• Tara Sanregret (Mount Royal University)

• Abby Robar (NAIT)

These recipients exemplify the qualities of leadership, community involvement, and a passion for developing future players through teaching, mentorship, and coaching. Whether through organizing minor hockey programs, working behind the bench, or creating inclusive opportunities for others to enjoy the game, these students are helping ensure that hockey continues to thrive for generations to come.

Today, we’re profiling the 2025 Team Alex Scholarship Winner - Avery Kendall.

The Team Alex organization was created by Brian Ennis following the tragic loss of his son, Alex, to suicide in 2019. From this grief came a powerful mission: to build “a world without suicide.” Through their work, Team Alex has become a symbol of hope, support, and mental health advocacy in the minor hockey community.

The organization focused on equipping coaches and volunteers with the knowledge and confidence to support young athletes, both on and off the ice. This included training on recognizing signs of mental health struggles and promoting team environments built on empathy, morale, and connection.

Alex Ennis played organized hockey until U13, eventually turning to pond hockey—a passion he shared with his father. Brian Ennis, also the founder of Red Deer Pond Hockey, continued to champion Team Alex’s work even after the organization officially shut down in 2023. The commitment to mental health awareness and suicide prevention lives on through the Team Alex Scholarship.

This annual scholarship is awarded to a post-secondary student who demonstrates leadership, dedication, and a deep understanding of mental health challenges facing youth in sport and everyday life.

This year’s recipient is Avery Kendall from Olds College. Kendall’s longstanding dedication to hockey as both a player and a coach earned her a place in the Future Leaders Development Program. Through her experience, she has grown her skills and deepened her passion for ensuring everyone feels included in the game.

“Receiving the Future Leader Scholarship is a huge honor for me. It validates my commitment to growing within the game, not just as a player but as a coach and leader as well. This program allowed me to further develop my skills, gain valuable knowledge, and network with other coaching in Alberta. The resources and opportunities it provides will help me build the foundation I need to become a successful coach and leader in the hockey community, with the ultimate goal of creating an environment where players, especially women, feel empowered and supported in their hockey journeys,” said Kendall.

One of the most meaningful parts of the program for Kendall was learning from experienced coaches who showed her the true impact strong leadership can have—not just on team success, but on individual growth and confidence.

“It’s not just about winning games, but about inspiring players to become the best versions of themselves both on and off the ice,” she added.

Avery Kendall exemplifies the spirit of Team Alex through her commitment to inclusive leadership and her belief in the power of sport to uplift and empower. Her journey as a coach and leader is just beginning, but her impact is already being felt.

We are now accepting applications for the 2025 Future Leaders Program. Please access the application form below.

The 2025 Future Leaders Program will take place in Red Deer on Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7. Upon selection, successful applicants will receive the full schedule. The program will begin at 5:00 PM on June 6 in the Hockey Alberta Boardroom.

FUTURE LEADERS >

Celebrating the Future of Hockey: 2025 Future Leader Scholarship Recipients Announced

Nine post-secondary students from across Alberta have been recognized as the 2025 Future Leaders—an annual initiative that supports the next generation of hockey mentors and coaches.

The Future Leader Scholarship, made possible by the Hockey Alberta Foundation, celebrates individuals who are not only passionate about the sport but are actively committed to giving back to the game through leadership, coaching, and skill development.

These students are involved in various post-secondary institutions and have demonstrated a clear commitment to fostering the next wave of hockey talent in their communities:

• Avery Kendall (Olds College) – Team Alex

• Julie Wagner (Red Deer Polytechnic)

• Kyla Hansel (Red Deer Polytechnic)

• Owen Stevenson (University of Calgary)

• Kai Melnyk (NAIT) – Distinguished Future Leader – Mike Klass

• Matthew Kachmar (University of Alberta)

• Cassidy Rhodes (University of British Columbia) – Distinguished Future Leader – Larry Reid

• Tara Sanregret (Mount Royal University)

• Abby Robar (NAIT)

These recipients exemplify the qualities of leadership, community involvement, and a passion for developing future players through teaching, mentorship, and coaching. Whether through organizing minor hockey programs, working behind the bench, or creating inclusive opportunities for others to enjoy the game, these students are helping ensure that hockey continues to thrive for generations to come.

Today, we’re profiling the 2025 Larry Reid Distinguished Leader - Cassidy Rhodes.

Larry Reid’s legacy in Alberta’s hockey community is far-reaching and continues to inspire coaches and leaders across the province and beyond. Known for his deep commitment to mentorship and coach education, Reid was not only a dedicated bench boss, but also a trailblazer in the National Coach Certification Program, where he trained and developed coaches for more than 15 years.

His influence extended internationally, including two months spent coaching China’s junior national teams. In recognition of his contributions, Reid was named one of Hockey Alberta’s Top 100 contributors in 2007.

Larry Reid believed wholeheartedly in the power of hockey to build both character and community. His philosophy—“hockey is more than a game – it’s a way to build character and community”—shaped every team he coached and every life he touched.

To honour this legacy, the players of the 1962-63 Innisfail Pontiacs, whom Reid coached, established the Larry Reid Distinguished Leaders’ Scholarship. This annual scholarship is awarded to one Future Leaders Program participant who is actively pursuing leadership roles in hockey and giving back to their community.

This year, that honour goes to Cassidy Rhodes, a student from the University of British Columbia.

“Being chosen for the future leader scholarship has given me such a boost of confidence and motivation moving forward as it has cemented that I have potential as a coach moving forward. Being a part of the future leader program has also provided me the opportunity to meet others who are also in the industry that I can communicate with should I need someone to talk to which also gives me more confidence to move forward in my journey knowing I’m not alone in it,” said Rhodes.

As a participant in the Future Leaders Development Program, Rhodes has grown as both a person and a coach. She notes that the experience taught her the importance of professionalism, preparation, and passion—no matter what age group you coach.

Her coaching philosophy reflects the same values Larry Reid lived by: inclusive leadership, character development, and creating positive environments for young athletes.

“It is important as hockey is at the forefront of the sports world regularly and with many youths wanting to participate in hockey it is important that individuals provide leadership as sport does not only shape individuals as athletes but as people and I want to embody that going forward by understanding the possible impact I might have on someone’s journey in hockey,” said Rhodes.

Cassidy Rhodes’ vision for the future of hockey aligns perfectly with the legacy of Larry Reid—building communities, shaping people, and leading with heart.

We are now accepting applications for the 2025 Future Leaders Program. Please access the application form below.

The 2025 Future Leaders Program will take place in Red Deer on Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7. Upon selection, successful applicants will receive the full schedule. The program will begin at 5:00 PM on June 6 in the Hockey Alberta Boardroom.

FUTURE LEADERS >

KAMLOOPS – Team Alberta returned from the 2025 National Aboriginal Hockey Championship (NAHC), held May 5-11 on the traditional territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc in Kamloops, with a silver medal in the U18 Male division and a strong showing from the U18 Female team.

U18 Male

Team Alberta U18 Male turned in a dominant performance in Kamloops. After the round robin, they finished first and battled their way to a silver medal, tying their best-ever result at the event.
Alberta opened with a decisive 9-2 win over Team Eastern Door & North, followed by a 1-1 draw against Ontario. They continued their strong play with wins over British Columbia (4-0) and Manitoba (3-0) before closing out the round robin with a close 4-3 loss to Saskatchewan.

Their first-place finish earned them a semi-final rematch with Ontario, where Alberta prevailed 6-3 to advance to the gold medal game. Alberta fell to Manitoba 4-2 in a hard-fought final to claim silver.

• Round Robin Record: 3-1-1 (1st place)
• Playoff Results: Semi-final – 6-3 win over Ontario | Final – 4-2 loss to Manitoba
• Top Scorer: Aidan Sexsmith – 6 goals, 10 points (led all male players in tournament scoring)

Male Roster >

U18 Female – Strong Showing, Led by Tournament’s Top Scorer

Team Alberta U18 Female showcased resilience and offensive firepower but ultimately finished fifth after the round robin, narrowly missing the playoff round.

After a close 2-1 loss to Saskatchewan in their opener, Alberta bounced back with a thrilling 5-4 victory over eventual gold medalists Team Ontario. The team continued to battle hard but fell to BC (6-4) and Manitoba (3-2), while recording a commanding 7-0 win over Team Eastern Door & North.

Despite finishing with a 2-3 record, the team’s standout performances were highlighted by Tayla Lamabe, who led all female players in the tournament with 11 goals and 13 points.

• Final Record: 2 wins, 3 losses
• Top Scorer: Tayla Lamabe – 11 goals, 13 points (led all female players in tournament scoring)

Female Roster >

The 2026 National Aboriginal Hockey Championship will be hosted by Ochapowace Nation in Regina, Saskatchewan.

The NAHC, established by the Aboriginal Sport Circle in 2002, continues to serve as the premier national competition for elite Indigenous U18 hockey players. The annual event brings together First Nations, Inuit, and Métis athletes from across Canada, celebrating athletic excellence, cultural pride, and community development through sport.

Team Alberta Female Embraces Unity, Culture, and Competition at 2025 NAHC

KAMLOOPS, B.C. — With the 2025 National Aboriginal Hockey Championship (NAHC) in full swing, Team Alberta Female arrived in Kamloops, ready to compete and connect, grow, and lead with purpose.

Head coach Bryan Toles brings a philosophy rooted in trust, accountability, and culture at the heart of the team’s preparation and identity. Stepping into the role midway through the process, Toles has quickly established a foundation of unity that transcends the ice.

“It really is about the experiences,” said Toles. “A lot of these players are going to go on to junior teams, colleges, or back to their club teams, but what they’ll remember most are the things that happen on the bus, in the dressing room, at the hotel. Winning becomes a byproduct of that.”

Team Alberta Female represents a mix of returning players and first-time participants, each bringing their own regional and cultural identities into a shared provincial mission. To help this group come together, the coaching staff has prioritized team-building initiatives, including cultural experiences like a group visit to a newly opened residential school museum in Kamloops, an intentional effort to ground the team in the deeper meaning of the NAHC.

“We’re doing cultural stuff, team bonding, and providing an atmosphere where they can connect and play free, but also challenge each other,” Toles explained. “It’s about being able to move in one direction before puck drop, trusting the process, as cliché as it sounds.”

Trust and freedom are core principles of Toles’ coaching style. He encourages his players to make mistakes, learn from them, and stay focused on their collective responsibilities rather than fear individual slip-ups.

“We have some non-negotiables in terms of our structure, but I want the players to play free within that system,” he said. “Everyone makes mistakes, and how you recover and how the team responds together matters.”

That balance of structure and freedom mirrors what Toles has implemented successfully with the Edmonton Wolves, who recently won provincials under his leadership.

“A lot of these players are getting to the point where they’re young adults,” said Toles. “We want to give them the ability to make the right decisions on and off the ice, not just as athletes, but as people.”

As competition has unfolded this week, Team Alberta Female goal was not only chasing a championship but building a legacy of respect, resilience, and cultural pride. With strong leadership and a unified locker room, the team competed hard, but their most significant win may come from what they can take home beyond the game.

“We’re going to have fun, we’re going to learn, and we’re going to grow,” Toles added. “Seeing these young women put the same jersey on and go together, that’s what I’m most looking forward to.”